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Interstellar Sheriff #1
Space Deputy
A millennium into the future, the Saloon Sector is where the Wild West meets the 1950s, in space, with robots. It’s where careers go to die.
Thelma Bach graduated top of her class after four years at the Galactic Justice academy. But she’s a Rock Sector citizen. The core worlders were never going to let her transcend her background. So she’s been assigned to serve her seven years as a deputy in the Saloon Sector. The message for the Federation’s out-world citizens is clear: you’ll never be our equal, so don’t even try.
The stuffy bureaucrats of the Galactic Justice service chose the wrong person to push around. Thelma will subvert her interstellar sheriff, charm artificial intelligences, fight bandits and hunt the legendary Eldorado Cache. But with the frontier region holding secrets of its own, she needs to choose her new allies wisely because a scary, business-suited enemy is hunting her.
“Space Deputy” is a fast-paced, offbeat space adventure.
Thelma Bach graduated top of her class after four years at the Galactic Justice academy. But she’s a Rock Sector citizen. The core worlders were never going to let her transcend her background. So she’s been assigned to serve her seven years as a deputy in the Saloon Sector. The message for the Federation’s out-world citizens is clear: you’ll never be our equal, so don’t even try.
The stuffy bureaucrats of the Galactic Justice service chose the wrong person to push around. Thelma will subvert her interstellar sheriff, charm artificial intelligences, fight bandits and hunt the legendary Eldorado Cache. But with the frontier region holding secrets of its own, she needs to choose her new allies wisely because a scary, business-suited enemy is hunting her.
“Space Deputy” is a fast-paced, offbeat space adventure.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2018
742 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Schwartz
110 books562 followersAustralian science fiction & fantasy author.
Current series: Caldryn Parliament. Golden Age mysteries in the realm of science fiction & fantasy.
Magic parliament mysteries - political intrigue, family drama, and the cutest gremlin sidekick ever!
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
Current series: Caldryn Parliament. Golden Age mysteries in the realm of science fiction & fantasy.
Magic parliament mysteries - political intrigue, family drama, and the cutest gremlin sidekick ever!
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
November 12, 2022
When we first meet Thelma Bach, she has just graduated from the "Galactic Justice Academy," first in her class. Her reward: she will be a “deputy sheriff” in one of the remote areas of the galaxy for the next seven years.
"“How did I end up here?” she asked" That’s Thelma’s question and her driving force is to not let this be seven years of exile. Working for Sheriff Max is an eye-opener for Thelma. "Max was a combat veteran. She was a dudette. Did he think she was afraid? Well, she was. She was also eager. She had a sudden vision of herself as a puppy yapping at the heels of a wolfhound. It was mortifying."
Having a sheriff in space is one of Schwartz’s bright ideas. "“Space gets lonely. It can be frightening. People reduce the role of interstellar sheriff to law and order, but that’s just one aspect of it. Life on the frontier isn’t safe. Whatever we can do to improve the situation, we do, and part of that is making people feel more secure. They have to feel that someone, somewhere cares about their pursuit of a better life, their need for justice, and the simple fact that they exist. They need to know that someone hears them, and that if they die alone, someone will notice their passing.”"
Another is her riffing on the subject of artificial intelligence. (Any more and we would have to bury a spoiler.)
Those looking for combat will be less than satisfied. And those interested in the subject of space opera romance may also be disappointed.. All in all, an interesting start to building a galaxy of challenges and alien encounters. I am not going to rush into the next volume.
"“How did I end up here?” she asked" That’s Thelma’s question and her driving force is to not let this be seven years of exile. Working for Sheriff Max is an eye-opener for Thelma. "Max was a combat veteran. She was a dudette. Did he think she was afraid? Well, she was. She was also eager. She had a sudden vision of herself as a puppy yapping at the heels of a wolfhound. It was mortifying."
Having a sheriff in space is one of Schwartz’s bright ideas. "“Space gets lonely. It can be frightening. People reduce the role of interstellar sheriff to law and order, but that’s just one aspect of it. Life on the frontier isn’t safe. Whatever we can do to improve the situation, we do, and part of that is making people feel more secure. They have to feel that someone, somewhere cares about their pursuit of a better life, their need for justice, and the simple fact that they exist. They need to know that someone hears them, and that if they die alone, someone will notice their passing.”"
Another is her riffing on the subject of artificial intelligence. (Any more and we would have to bury a spoiler.)
Those looking for combat will be less than satisfied. And those interested in the subject of space opera romance may also be disappointed.. All in all, an interesting start to building a galaxy of challenges and alien encounters. I am not going to rush into the next volume.
August 30, 2023
So this one was pretty iffy. Like, 3 stars is definitely rounding up.
My biggest problem was the FMC, Thelma. I'm not sure how old she is, but given that we got told repeatedly that she'd spent 7 years in training to be a Galactic Justice agent, I'm guessing 25 or so. But her personality reads as like 16. She's really self-absorbed, and while she can be really smart at putting together pieces and solving mysteries, she misses the totally obvious to an almost shocking degree. She's got a huge chip on her shoulder about being from an outer sector, and makes her entire personality about that. She's frankly exhausting. And flip-floppy. She seems to be bonding with Max and his two AI (two! this author really leans into AI characters, but honestly she does them so well and they're always a high point in her stories), but then she'll suddenly flip a switch into being withdrawn, to the point where they ask her if something is wrong. And that's part of what I mean by her really childish personality. Again, exhausting.
All this training to be a badass agent, and she kind of stinks at it. She's a better spy / info broker - as I said, she puts the pieces together to puzzle out what is happening very well - but the only time she was involved in any actual action, she felt pretty useless. Like, from her own POV, she was distracted, confused, kept wanting to get clarification WHILE PEOPLE WERE SHOOTING AT THEM, and felt more like a damsel than an agent or deputy.
I liked the story and the world building. I liked what we saw of Max, but honestly we didn't see a lot. But Thelma's (FMC) story felt lame - she spent all this time and built her life around being an agent. And weeks into it, without accomplishing a damn thing, she blackmails someone into letting her out of her 7 year contract. So Space Deputy is about the FMC ... quitting her job. That's okay, I guess. She wasn't very good at the job.
Despite all that, I'm going to read on because I'm curious whether that reset - quit her job, connected with Max, seems to have pulled her head out of her ass - will make it all better from here.
EDIT TO ADD: I have to also say that man, this cover is terrible. Like, even liking this author, I nearly skipped this book because the cover was so cheeseball awful that it was embarrassing.
My biggest problem was the FMC, Thelma. I'm not sure how old she is, but given that we got told repeatedly that she'd spent 7 years in training to be a Galactic Justice agent, I'm guessing 25 or so. But her personality reads as like 16. She's really self-absorbed, and while she can be really smart at putting together pieces and solving mysteries, she misses the totally obvious to an almost shocking degree. She's got a huge chip on her shoulder about being from an outer sector, and makes her entire personality about that. She's frankly exhausting. And flip-floppy. She seems to be bonding with Max and his two AI (two! this author really leans into AI characters, but honestly she does them so well and they're always a high point in her stories), but then she'll suddenly flip a switch into being withdrawn, to the point where they ask her if something is wrong. And that's part of what I mean by her really childish personality. Again, exhausting.
All this training to be a badass agent, and she kind of stinks at it. She's a better spy / info broker - as I said, she puts the pieces together to puzzle out what is happening very well - but the only time she was involved in any actual action, she felt pretty useless. Like, from her own POV, she was distracted, confused, kept wanting to get clarification WHILE PEOPLE WERE SHOOTING AT THEM, and felt more like a damsel than an agent or deputy.
I liked the story and the world building. I liked what we saw of Max, but honestly we didn't see a lot. But Thelma's (FMC) story felt lame - she spent all this time and built her life around being an agent. And weeks into it, without accomplishing a damn thing, she blackmails someone into letting her out of her 7 year contract. So Space Deputy is about the FMC ... quitting her job. That's okay, I guess. She wasn't very good at the job.
Despite all that, I'm going to read on because I'm curious whether that reset - quit her job, connected with Max, seems to have pulled her head out of her ass - will make it all better from here.
EDIT TO ADD: I have to also say that man, this cover is terrible. Like, even liking this author, I nearly skipped this book because the cover was so cheeseball awful that it was embarrassing.
July 15, 2018
Yippee! Space opera indeed!
Injustices to correct, worlds to protect, villains to stop. Hang on for the ride.
Love the new universe and characters. The heroine is determined, the hero mysterious, and the sidekicks even more mysterious. Everything you'd expect in a Jenny Schwartz story. Can't wait for more.
Injustices to correct, worlds to protect, villains to stop. Hang on for the ride.
Love the new universe and characters. The heroine is determined, the hero mysterious, and the sidekicks even more mysterious. Everything you'd expect in a Jenny Schwartz story. Can't wait for more.
May 24, 2019
I enjoyed this quirky space western! Enjoyed watching Thelma work her plan!
July 23, 2018
This is not the wild west but it is the edge of space and not the best posting for a deputy. Thelma Bach was top of her class but did not get a prime assignment. Instead she was sent to Saloon Sector but all was not lost. She had a plan and it was fun watching her work it. I loved the characters; especially the two AI's. Both added a nice spice to the mix. Of course her boss the very good looking boss, Sheriff Smith, is just an added bonus. Pick this up to find out how Thelma shows everyone that being top of the class was not a fluke and she will outsmart everyone. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 30, 2020
Really enjoyable! Don’t let the cover fool you, everything I’ve read by her has been excellent. This author stands out like gold among the usual dross in KU. A major publisher needs to pick up this author she’s a gem. Looking forward to reading the next one. More about the adventure, characters and interesting plot than sex.
January 23, 2025
Highly entertaining, offbeat, extremely creative, SF romance with plenty of adventure
This story is told from the single, third-person POV of 20-something Thelma, who is an intelligent, open-minded, adventurous, compassionate and dynamic FMC. Since I have greatly enjoyed many other female-centric, SF adventures by Jenny Schwartz, I decided to give this series a try, and I'm really glad I did. I had a ball reading this book. The minute I finished it, I instantly purchased the sequel, and I know I'm going to blitz through the whole series. Here is what I liked about this story:
1. Thelma. As stated above, I love her! She is wonderful.
2. Thelma's terrific love interest, Max. He is the Sheriff of an untamed, "Wild West" section of interplanetary territory for whom Thelma is his Deputy. He is handsome, athletically strong and well built, a highly skilled, former, interplanetary Marine, and extremely rich for reasons that are not revealed until the end of the book. He is also a complete Cinnamon Roll toward Thelma.
3. Max's two sentient, AI companions. I adore them. Ever since reading the Murderbot Diaries, I have been thrilled every time I run into AI stories, especially when they are done extremely well, as they are this book.
4. Max's amazing spaceship. It is fascinatingly complex. I really enjoyed every scene set on the ship.
5. The SF worldbuilding. As always, JS is fabulous at constructing believable and complex universes in space, in particular, the structure of the interplanetary government system and many different types of alien lifeforms.
6. The action adventure. It is exciting and well motivated.
I can't wait for this novel to be performed as an audiobook. I will instantly purchase it.
This story is told from the single, third-person POV of 20-something Thelma, who is an intelligent, open-minded, adventurous, compassionate and dynamic FMC. Since I have greatly enjoyed many other female-centric, SF adventures by Jenny Schwartz, I decided to give this series a try, and I'm really glad I did. I had a ball reading this book. The minute I finished it, I instantly purchased the sequel, and I know I'm going to blitz through the whole series. Here is what I liked about this story:
1. Thelma. As stated above, I love her! She is wonderful.
2. Thelma's terrific love interest, Max. He is the Sheriff of an untamed, "Wild West" section of interplanetary territory for whom Thelma is his Deputy. He is handsome, athletically strong and well built, a highly skilled, former, interplanetary Marine, and extremely rich for reasons that are not revealed until the end of the book. He is also a complete Cinnamon Roll toward Thelma.
3. Max's two sentient, AI companions. I adore them. Ever since reading the Murderbot Diaries, I have been thrilled every time I run into AI stories, especially when they are done extremely well, as they are this book.
4. Max's amazing spaceship. It is fascinatingly complex. I really enjoyed every scene set on the ship.
5. The SF worldbuilding. As always, JS is fabulous at constructing believable and complex universes in space, in particular, the structure of the interplanetary government system and many different types of alien lifeforms.
6. The action adventure. It is exciting and well motivated.
I can't wait for this novel to be performed as an audiobook. I will instantly purchase it.
July 16, 2018
Entertaining read.
June 30, 2019
4 stars. This was a fun, well-written little book. The protagonist was interesting, and she tackled the issues the book threw at her with aplomb. The world-building was a little weak, even for such a short book. For example, we didn’t really get a hint of the social structures that allowed anti-Rock-sector-citizen bias to be so blatantly expressed. Nor was there any attempt to explain the science fiction concepts that underpin the novel. However, these weak points were overshadowed by the fun, smoothly-flowing plot.
June 11, 2020
5 Stars
An excellent engrossing story that makes you want to finish the story in one reading. The characters are well rounded with an engaging storyline that keeps you interested and turning pages.
An excellent engrossing story that makes you want to finish the story in one reading. The characters are well rounded with an engaging storyline that keeps you interested and turning pages.
August 1, 2019
This was a cute, short story. Thelma Bach graduates from Galactic Justice academy at the top of her class, but instead of being sent to a prestigious position commiserate with her achievement, she's sent to the Saloon Sector as a deputy. Max Smith is the mysterious sheriff of the sector and he, along with his AI's, Lon and Max, start to teach Thelma the ropes of the frontier. Although there was plenty to enjoy about this story, there were also things that I wasn't sure what the purpose was, like the details of Thelma's clothes. Overall I did like it, though.
January 25, 2022
It started so good then lost it's flare. Thelma Bach graduated top of her class at the Galactic Justice academy. She is sent to serve in Saloon Sector which is a dead place for prospects because of the bias the Galactic Justice has against Rock Sector where Thelma belongs. She is assigned as deputy to mysterious sheriff Max Smith. It's a first book so there's lots of world building which is good but some of it felt bizarre. The writing was disjointed. It jumped from scene to scene without any cohesive story telling. It's all very fast paced but uneven and that took the fun part out of the book. Still I'll read the next one in the hope that it will be better.
May 26, 2019
This is not the wild west but it is the edge of space and not the best posting for a deputy. Thelma Bach was top of her class but did not get a prime assignment. Instead she was sent to Saloon Sector but all was not lost. She had a plan and it was fun watching her work it. I loved the characters; especially the two AI's. Both added a nice spice to the mix. Of course her boss the very good looking boss, Sheriff Smith, is just an added bonus. Pick this up to find out how Thelma shows everyone that being top of the class was not a fluke and she will outsmart everyone. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 25, 2019
My opinion? A nice, lighthearted space story; tongue-in-cheek and short on blood, gore, and the usual violence of much of the “space wars” genre. Thank you goodreads for the recommendation; hope a sequel comes out soon.
October 25, 2019
Not really sure what to make of this. For me, it started well and just never sustained it. I finished this last night and I'm already forgetting it really.
Not picking up the next in the series (if there is one?)
Not picking up the next in the series (if there is one?)
February 9, 2020
I enjoyed the heck out of this book, which blends in some western, some intrigue, some salient points about humanity's foibles, and just enough romance into what I am now terming a "Cozy Sci-fi". Will certainly be back for more.
December 13, 2019
As idea, this book seemed like something I would love. Space, aliens, some parody, humour, a quirky heroine, a handsome sheriff with secrets, fun side characters, found families... What's not to love?
Unfortunately, the writing mostly killed all the good ideas. The main character is paper-thin. With all her insistence to 'look professional' with lipstick, skirts, and shoes from 20th century Earth. The space sheriff wears a cowboy hat in space and has so little 'screen time' it feels like he hardly said a hundred words. He probably did, but he left hardly any impression. The relationships don't develop. They just suddenly change with one word. If that.
It's dry, it's tedious...reading this book felt like trying to go for a swim, but ending up threading through knee-deep water and wondering if you're going to reach any depth ever... The answer is no. It's shallow all the way through.
Which is very said, because it seemed like a very fun idea.
Unfortunately, the writing mostly killed all the good ideas. The main character is paper-thin. With all her insistence to 'look professional' with lipstick, skirts, and shoes from 20th century Earth. The space sheriff wears a cowboy hat in space and has so little 'screen time' it feels like he hardly said a hundred words. He probably did, but he left hardly any impression. The relationships don't develop. They just suddenly change with one word. If that.
It's dry, it's tedious...reading this book felt like trying to go for a swim, but ending up threading through knee-deep water and wondering if you're going to reach any depth ever... The answer is no. It's shallow all the way through.
Which is very said, because it seemed like a very fun idea.
September 19, 2018
Left me wanting more
I am not a fan of romance stories. I like who-done-its, space discoveries-battle-good over evil, new and old aliens, robots, artificial intelligence and old fashioned, brains over brawn in a butt kicking lead character. This one has it all, including a romance without the soft porn sex scenes currently in vogue with many of the fantasy and/or spacer novelists. Am really looking forward to Interstellar Sheriff #2. Keep writing Ms. Schwartz, you do it well.
I am not a fan of romance stories. I like who-done-its, space discoveries-battle-good over evil, new and old aliens, robots, artificial intelligence and old fashioned, brains over brawn in a butt kicking lead character. This one has it all, including a romance without the soft porn sex scenes currently in vogue with many of the fantasy and/or spacer novelists. Am really looking forward to Interstellar Sheriff #2. Keep writing Ms. Schwartz, you do it well.
March 10, 2023
Blargh. Couldn’t finish it.
I had to stop when the heroine and the hero get together and one, two, three really easy plot devices fall into their laps in the space of about four pages.
Let’s just say the concept of everything the heroine stands for is thrown out pretty quickly. Also, some fairly heavy handed political screeds in there.
I had to stop when the heroine and the hero get together and one, two, three really easy plot devices fall into their laps in the space of about four pages.
Let’s just say the concept of everything the heroine stands for is thrown out pretty quickly. Also, some fairly heavy handed political screeds in there.
January 5, 2022
Entertaining and Interesting
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
This is the first book in a continuing series. The book ends at a natural break in the narrative, but there are definitely further adventures to come in future books.
Thelma is the valedictorian in her class at Galactic Justice. Hoping to finally break the stereotypes of people from the Rock Sector her success leads her to expect a good posting after graduation. Instead she finds that her hubris is rewarded by sending her out to the Saloon Sector, the ‘Wild West’ of occupied space, where she even has to buy her own gear because uniforms aren’t required of Space Deputies.
Determined to make the most of her new posting and still find a way to prove she’s just as good as anyone from the Alpha Sector she searches for a way to show her intelligence and hard-won skills in her 7 year contract into, what feels like, exile.
I’ve become a bit of a fan of Jenny Schwartz since discovering her a few months ago. I really like her style of writing, that’s fluid and naturally effortless, and at the same time concise and polished. She writes interesting characters in unexpected situations and takes them on adventures, which checks a lot of my boxes. This book is no exception.
Thelma is an interest character. She intelligent, insightful and ambitious. She takes getting slapped by the powers that be and gets back up, dusts herself down and rolls up her sleeves to get stuck in to changing her fortunes. She is also capable of self-awareness and of growing personally. She takes the opportunities offered to her by Max, the Sheriff, her new boss and runs with them, enjoying becoming part of a team after feeling alone for the last 7 years of education in the Alpha Sector.
Max is a fascinating character, surrounded by mystery. He’s stoic, tough and respected by most people in Saloon Sector. He takes his duties seriously but knows in order to maintain law and order he needs to take a slightly more tangential approach than would be normal in other sectors. He is supportive of Thelma and provides opportunities for her to learn and develop her skills. His interactions with Thelma slowly warm him up and we start to see the man behind the badge.
This book has wonderful world-building. The Saloon Sector comes alive as you journey alongside the crew of the Lonesome, Max’s ship. We are introduced to fascinating aliens and surly surveyors hoping to hit the big score. The supporting characters are all well drawn and engaging helping to draw a picture of the society in which Thelma now finds herself in. Thelma is a stranger to the sector so as she learns about it from her new job, we are taken along with her during her on the job education.
The plot is comprised of several strands. We have Thelma’s personal journey, the law and order aspect of her job and her, and her new team’s engagement with the political entity that is Galactic Justice. The strands of plot are deftly woven together in an entertaining and enlightening way.
This is a very good start to a new series and I can’t wait to see what Thelma, Max and the crew of the Lonesome get up to next.
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
This is the first book in a continuing series. The book ends at a natural break in the narrative, but there are definitely further adventures to come in future books.
Thelma is the valedictorian in her class at Galactic Justice. Hoping to finally break the stereotypes of people from the Rock Sector her success leads her to expect a good posting after graduation. Instead she finds that her hubris is rewarded by sending her out to the Saloon Sector, the ‘Wild West’ of occupied space, where she even has to buy her own gear because uniforms aren’t required of Space Deputies.
Determined to make the most of her new posting and still find a way to prove she’s just as good as anyone from the Alpha Sector she searches for a way to show her intelligence and hard-won skills in her 7 year contract into, what feels like, exile.
I’ve become a bit of a fan of Jenny Schwartz since discovering her a few months ago. I really like her style of writing, that’s fluid and naturally effortless, and at the same time concise and polished. She writes interesting characters in unexpected situations and takes them on adventures, which checks a lot of my boxes. This book is no exception.
Thelma is an interest character. She intelligent, insightful and ambitious. She takes getting slapped by the powers that be and gets back up, dusts herself down and rolls up her sleeves to get stuck in to changing her fortunes. She is also capable of self-awareness and of growing personally. She takes the opportunities offered to her by Max, the Sheriff, her new boss and runs with them, enjoying becoming part of a team after feeling alone for the last 7 years of education in the Alpha Sector.
Max is a fascinating character, surrounded by mystery. He’s stoic, tough and respected by most people in Saloon Sector. He takes his duties seriously but knows in order to maintain law and order he needs to take a slightly more tangential approach than would be normal in other sectors. He is supportive of Thelma and provides opportunities for her to learn and develop her skills. His interactions with Thelma slowly warm him up and we start to see the man behind the badge.
This book has wonderful world-building. The Saloon Sector comes alive as you journey alongside the crew of the Lonesome, Max’s ship. We are introduced to fascinating aliens and surly surveyors hoping to hit the big score. The supporting characters are all well drawn and engaging helping to draw a picture of the society in which Thelma now finds herself in. Thelma is a stranger to the sector so as she learns about it from her new job, we are taken along with her during her on the job education.
The plot is comprised of several strands. We have Thelma’s personal journey, the law and order aspect of her job and her, and her new team’s engagement with the political entity that is Galactic Justice. The strands of plot are deftly woven together in an entertaining and enlightening way.
This is a very good start to a new series and I can’t wait to see what Thelma, Max and the crew of the Lonesome get up to next.
April 19, 2020
Wild West in Space, Loved Thelma and Max and their Lonesome Crew Family
Deputy Thelma Bush is the daughter of independent asteroid miners. She had big dreams and the brains to make them reality. She did, she spent 7 years away form her family in the Galactic Justice Program, graduated top of her class only to be assigned to the worst sector in the Galaxy, the Saloon Sector. A blatant reminder that if you aren't from the Core sector you are nobody.
Thelma wallows in the unfairness of it all on her journey to her new assignment. She owes The Program 7 years of her life in exchange for her education. After she was done being mad, she got busy. Deputies in the Saloon Sector are allowed a second job, the pay is that low. Thelma trained to one day be a diplomat and she is going to put those skills to work for her.
Thelma meets her new boss, Sheriff Max Smith, former Space Marine, and a friend and severed with her older brother Joe. Max has a lot of secret. He invites her to live on his ship the Lonesome and in doing so, trusts her with one of his most closely guarded secrets. The Lonesome is a self aware AI that goes by the name Lon. Max's back up is a Mech, Harry, also a self aware AI. In he Federation self aware AI's are recognized as people. Max and Lon want to stay hidden and they have their reasons. They both welcome Thelma as friend and soon treat her as family and will allies in her plan to become an information broker.
Thelma no longer sees her new life in the Saloon Sector as a punishment but a golden opportunity. Her relationship with Max has gone from sister to a fellow Marine he took on as a favor, to friends and now lovers. Lon has become her best friend and adviser and Harry part grandfather and part instructor.
Soon Thelma is making contacts and solving problems. When she comes into information about a secret mission lead by the Senator who's son was number 2 to her all through college, and the reason for her assignment to the Saloon Sector, she gets her chance at revenge.
A fun, fast paced, wild west lawman romance. Great world building and a lot of fun secondary characters. A clean behind closed doors romance. Looking forward to Thelma, Max, Lon and Harry's next story.
Deputy Thelma Bush is the daughter of independent asteroid miners. She had big dreams and the brains to make them reality. She did, she spent 7 years away form her family in the Galactic Justice Program, graduated top of her class only to be assigned to the worst sector in the Galaxy, the Saloon Sector. A blatant reminder that if you aren't from the Core sector you are nobody.
Thelma wallows in the unfairness of it all on her journey to her new assignment. She owes The Program 7 years of her life in exchange for her education. After she was done being mad, she got busy. Deputies in the Saloon Sector are allowed a second job, the pay is that low. Thelma trained to one day be a diplomat and she is going to put those skills to work for her.
Thelma meets her new boss, Sheriff Max Smith, former Space Marine, and a friend and severed with her older brother Joe. Max has a lot of secret. He invites her to live on his ship the Lonesome and in doing so, trusts her with one of his most closely guarded secrets. The Lonesome is a self aware AI that goes by the name Lon. Max's back up is a Mech, Harry, also a self aware AI. In he Federation self aware AI's are recognized as people. Max and Lon want to stay hidden and they have their reasons. They both welcome Thelma as friend and soon treat her as family and will allies in her plan to become an information broker.
Thelma no longer sees her new life in the Saloon Sector as a punishment but a golden opportunity. Her relationship with Max has gone from sister to a fellow Marine he took on as a favor, to friends and now lovers. Lon has become her best friend and adviser and Harry part grandfather and part instructor.
Soon Thelma is making contacts and solving problems. When she comes into information about a secret mission lead by the Senator who's son was number 2 to her all through college, and the reason for her assignment to the Saloon Sector, she gets her chance at revenge.
A fun, fast paced, wild west lawman romance. Great world building and a lot of fun secondary characters. A clean behind closed doors romance. Looking forward to Thelma, Max, Lon and Harry's next story.
July 13, 2025
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is the first book of the Interstellar Sheriff series. It can be read as a standalone.
I bought this book because it had good reviews, and I thought I would take a chance on it. I’m glad I did as I thought it was excellent.
Thelma has graduated from the Galactic Justice Academy and is sent to a remote outpost to begin working as a space deputy. The sheriff, Max, is a friend of Thelma’s older brother, which is why he has agreed to take her on.
Max secretly has 2 AIs helping him. One, Lon, runs the spaceship and the other, Harry, is a mech (a human looking robot with intelligence). The book raises the interesting question of whether they are people are not. They are described as having a soul. Both Max and Thelma consider them to be friends, and the AI clearly care about them.
Thelma wrongly believes that she is assigned to this district because of her humble roots, though it could be partly a factor. She later finds out the truth. There is a twist to the story as there are repercussions that affect her role as deputy, but it also the politics of the Galactic Federation.
I liked Thelma’s character. She is smart and resourceful. She also begins to build connections with people in her district as an information broker. That is a good strategy for her future and also helps with being a deputy. She is a very relatable character.
Thelma and Max begin a relationship, and I thought this could have been brought out more.
It would have been nice if the book included a map.
I bought the rest of the books in the series, and I look forward to reading them.
This book is the first book of the Interstellar Sheriff series. It can be read as a standalone.
I bought this book because it had good reviews, and I thought I would take a chance on it. I’m glad I did as I thought it was excellent.
Thelma has graduated from the Galactic Justice Academy and is sent to a remote outpost to begin working as a space deputy. The sheriff, Max, is a friend of Thelma’s older brother, which is why he has agreed to take her on.
Max secretly has 2 AIs helping him. One, Lon, runs the spaceship and the other, Harry, is a mech (a human looking robot with intelligence). The book raises the interesting question of whether they are people are not. They are described as having a soul. Both Max and Thelma consider them to be friends, and the AI clearly care about them.
Thelma wrongly believes that she is assigned to this district because of her humble roots, though it could be partly a factor. She later finds out the truth. There is a twist to the story as there are repercussions that affect her role as deputy, but it also the politics of the Galactic Federation.
I liked Thelma’s character. She is smart and resourceful. She also begins to build connections with people in her district as an information broker. That is a good strategy for her future and also helps with being a deputy. She is a very relatable character.
Thelma and Max begin a relationship, and I thought this could have been brought out more.
It would have been nice if the book included a map.
I bought the rest of the books in the series, and I look forward to reading them.
March 20, 2022
Remember Footloose? That was when Hollywood started to make stories -- every bit as romanticized as the old Gene Autry vehicles -- about the modern west. Of cowboys who rode pickups more than horses, singing cowboys who were in a stadium instead of on the range, etc., etc.
That's the emotional take that let me appreciate this rather odd pastiche.
There's a stream in SF of recreating historical tropes via some incredibly helpful technology: usually Napoleonic sea battles in space. In this case, you've got claim-jumpers and barroom brawls and all that Republic Serial stuff, but Jenny Schwartz never went for the low-hanging fruit. As easy as it would have been to reproduce (for perfectly justifiable techno-babble explanations) a shoot-out at the OK Corral, she made all the happenings organic to what really is a mid-future, highly technological society.
So I sort of wanted it to go further, in either direction. To really explore the science and the universe she has constructed, or to pull out and justify even more Old West tropes. But in the end, I enjoyed the story as a modern-setting cowboy story. It is Space Opera where instead of swapping horse for spaceship...we swapped a Harley.
Plus the characters are likable and the story proceeds amiably and the resolution is satisfying enough. It is a beach read, or was for me, and I went and bought the next one.
That's the emotional take that let me appreciate this rather odd pastiche.
There's a stream in SF of recreating historical tropes via some incredibly helpful technology: usually Napoleonic sea battles in space. In this case, you've got claim-jumpers and barroom brawls and all that Republic Serial stuff, but Jenny Schwartz never went for the low-hanging fruit. As easy as it would have been to reproduce (for perfectly justifiable techno-babble explanations) a shoot-out at the OK Corral, she made all the happenings organic to what really is a mid-future, highly technological society.
So I sort of wanted it to go further, in either direction. To really explore the science and the universe she has constructed, or to pull out and justify even more Old West tropes. But in the end, I enjoyed the story as a modern-setting cowboy story. It is Space Opera where instead of swapping horse for spaceship...we swapped a Harley.
Plus the characters are likable and the story proceeds amiably and the resolution is satisfying enough. It is a beach read, or was for me, and I went and bought the next one.
October 24, 2021
Less of a romance, definitely more of a space punk odyssey. The two mains do form an attachment, but it's more of a slow-burn turned plot point as opposed to an all-consuming emotional entanglement. Which actually did the sci-fi its justice.
This world is so unique and fun; the world, its communication structure, and the cast's governing body are all well defined and explained (without an overbearing narrative voice structuring it all into boring little cornrows).
There are typos throughout the Kindle version, but not enough to break the nerves. The first book does wrap up nicely while still leaving a mini break for the reader to jump into another adventure with this book's crew. It's an episodic series, so that should prove fun if you're into it!
I do think there could be more brain mapping for each character, so I didn't enjoy the expense of that emotional connection, but the writing style still screams very M.K. Eidem, so still exceptional, so can't fault it by removing any star for that.
That cover tho' dawg. Nahhhhhh. Gotta' toss a star right in the trash for that. As an illustrator, I definitely demand more. If you need help with that for a reboot Ms. Jenny, message me and we'll work something out. Presentation is keydom.
This world is so unique and fun; the world, its communication structure, and the cast's governing body are all well defined and explained (without an overbearing narrative voice structuring it all into boring little cornrows).
There are typos throughout the Kindle version, but not enough to break the nerves. The first book does wrap up nicely while still leaving a mini break for the reader to jump into another adventure with this book's crew. It's an episodic series, so that should prove fun if you're into it!
I do think there could be more brain mapping for each character, so I didn't enjoy the expense of that emotional connection, but the writing style still screams very M.K. Eidem, so still exceptional, so can't fault it by removing any star for that.
That cover tho' dawg. Nahhhhhh. Gotta' toss a star right in the trash for that. As an illustrator, I definitely demand more. If you need help with that for a reboot Ms. Jenny, message me and we'll work something out. Presentation is keydom.
October 20, 2022
Not quite romance, not quite sci-fi. Misses the mark for both.
The pacing is one of the worst I’ve read with mere minutes taking pages upon pages, followed by weeks passing without any indication on the page.
The individual character developments were nonexistent, as were their interpersonal developments. The cast is one-dimensional and not compelling, especially the cowboy.
We learn the most about MC, but it really seems no tragedy has ever befallen her. She’s from the wrong side of the universe, and that’s about it. There’s nowhere for her to develop to because she doesn’t come preloaded with any flaws (aside from being boring).
The goal that MC set at the beginning wasn’t apparently her goal all along, but we were never told. When she finally gets what she wants, it appears to come out of left field.
Also, despite being a self-proclaimed “information broker,” I don’t think a single one of her tasks actually counted toward that job title. She wasn’t hoarding secrets or doing kitschy PI work. Lost opportunity.
Overall, I was excited for the premise, but the book was poorly executed.
The pacing is one of the worst I’ve read with mere minutes taking pages upon pages, followed by weeks passing without any indication on the page.
The individual character developments were nonexistent, as were their interpersonal developments. The cast is one-dimensional and not compelling, especially the cowboy.
We learn the most about MC, but it really seems no tragedy has ever befallen her. She’s from the wrong side of the universe, and that’s about it. There’s nowhere for her to develop to because she doesn’t come preloaded with any flaws (aside from being boring).
The goal that MC set at the beginning wasn’t apparently her goal all along, but we were never told. When she finally gets what she wants, it appears to come out of left field.
Also, despite being a self-proclaimed “information broker,” I don’t think a single one of her tasks actually counted toward that job title. She wasn’t hoarding secrets or doing kitschy PI work. Lost opportunity.
Overall, I was excited for the premise, but the book was poorly executed.
February 19, 2023
Too much telling - like the other series of Schwartz’s I’ve read, there’s a LOT of exposition in here. This one was also hampered, like that one, by not enough “futurism” in some of the world-building - in this one, the heroine explicitly wears 1950’s-style clothing for dressing up, which doesn’t make a ton of sense (why did one specific decade become The Fashionable Retro Look) and also just seems uncomfortable. Imagine navigating a space station in spike heels, you know? The heroine also sets herself up as a part-time “information broker” literally RIGHT as she turns up in a totally new, unfamiliar place about which she knows virtually nothing. How on earth would she have any information worth brokering? Everything is wrapped up incredibly neatly, and the romance happens without much foreshadowing beyond "of course there will be a romance." I don't want to give it two stars because there's nothing actually wrong with it and I enjoyed reading all the way through, but it felt like a first draft in a lot of respects.
August 23, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.75*
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
3.75*
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
August 15, 2021
Nicely done! 4.5 stars.
It's been a while since I've read anything by Jenny Schwartz. She was a brand newbie with just a couple of books out when I first had the pleasure of discovering her. There's something so straight forward about the way she writes that it always fills me with satisfaction. She's a craftsperson. Her writing is nuts and bolts and no wasted soliloquys for even her most beloved characters. There's a cleanliness to her style of writing. I'm not referring to any kind of moral subject, just the lack of verbal clutter we tend to see from so many authors. Schwartz just tells her story, staying almost ruthlessly on track and undiverted . Its a style that is wholly hers and will keep me coming back. She's been writing proliferatively too which is just awesome. I'm moving on to the second in this series and love her storyline of the ex deputy Thelma successfully becoming an intellectual broker and the evolution of her newly made team.
It's been a while since I've read anything by Jenny Schwartz. She was a brand newbie with just a couple of books out when I first had the pleasure of discovering her. There's something so straight forward about the way she writes that it always fills me with satisfaction. She's a craftsperson. Her writing is nuts and bolts and no wasted soliloquys for even her most beloved characters. There's a cleanliness to her style of writing. I'm not referring to any kind of moral subject, just the lack of verbal clutter we tend to see from so many authors. Schwartz just tells her story, staying almost ruthlessly on track and undiverted . Its a style that is wholly hers and will keep me coming back. She's been writing proliferatively too which is just awesome. I'm moving on to the second in this series and love her storyline of the ex deputy Thelma successfully becoming an intellectual broker and the evolution of her newly made team.
January 19, 2022
Schwartz, Jenny. Space Deputy. 2018. Interstellar Sheriff No. 1. Kindle, 2020.
The title and the setting of Space Deputy scream space opera western like Mike Resnick used to write. We are a thousand years in a star-faring future, but the American Old West is an unlikely cultural influence. Our heroine Thelma is a girl from the despised Rock Sector who has graduated at the top of her class in the Justice Academy. The only job she can get is a seven-year contract as a roving deputy patrolling the Saloon Sector for Galactic Justice. She joins the crew of the Lonesome, captained by Sheriff Max. The ship has a strong AI, and there is a fully conscious warrior robot that must keep its sentience undercover. Sentient AIs can only be powered by mysterious and valuable “raphus geodes,” which are the McGuffin of the plot. The premise does not promise much, but the robot-human work family on the Lonesome is appealing, the action is zippy, and the prose is not dreadful. Readable. 3.5 stars.
The title and the setting of Space Deputy scream space opera western like Mike Resnick used to write. We are a thousand years in a star-faring future, but the American Old West is an unlikely cultural influence. Our heroine Thelma is a girl from the despised Rock Sector who has graduated at the top of her class in the Justice Academy. The only job she can get is a seven-year contract as a roving deputy patrolling the Saloon Sector for Galactic Justice. She joins the crew of the Lonesome, captained by Sheriff Max. The ship has a strong AI, and there is a fully conscious warrior robot that must keep its sentience undercover. Sentient AIs can only be powered by mysterious and valuable “raphus geodes,” which are the McGuffin of the plot. The premise does not promise much, but the robot-human work family on the Lonesome is appealing, the action is zippy, and the prose is not dreadful. Readable. 3.5 stars.
August 26, 2018
Good fun space opera
Thelma is from the Rock Sector. She has managed to back e Valedictorian of her year at the Core Worlds Galactic Justice Academy. Despite this she has been assigned to the Saloon Sector as a Deputy to the sheriff Max Smith. This is a clear message as far as she's concerned that people from Rock Sector didn't belong in the Core Worlds.
When she arrives at her destination she is met by Sheriff Max Smith and introduced to Lon and Harry, two AIs. She quickly finds that she has a lot to learn but couldn't be in better hands.
All the characters are well developed and the AIs are lovable. I particularly enjoyed Owen who is the Sheriff's Office Manager. I would have liked to see more of him.
There is plenty of opportunity for future adventures in the Saloon Sector and more interaction with the 'Grubs' should price interesting.
Thelma is from the Rock Sector. She has managed to back e Valedictorian of her year at the Core Worlds Galactic Justice Academy. Despite this she has been assigned to the Saloon Sector as a Deputy to the sheriff Max Smith. This is a clear message as far as she's concerned that people from Rock Sector didn't belong in the Core Worlds.
When she arrives at her destination she is met by Sheriff Max Smith and introduced to Lon and Harry, two AIs. She quickly finds that she has a lot to learn but couldn't be in better hands.
All the characters are well developed and the AIs are lovable. I particularly enjoyed Owen who is the Sheriff's Office Manager. I would have liked to see more of him.
There is plenty of opportunity for future adventures in the Saloon Sector and more interaction with the 'Grubs' should price interesting.
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